Using their Loaf - Charity aims for a bigger slice

An innovative charity based in North and West Belfast today took a giant step forward with the aim of further developing its successful catering business.

The NOW Project, a charity which provides training and employment support to adults with learning disabilities, has for 4 years successfully run a coffee shop and catering business from the Millennium Community Outreach Centre on the Springfield Road. The not-for-profit business, which trades under the name Loaf, raises vital funds at the same time as offering training and job opportunities to adults with a wide range of learning disabilities.

Loaf has now launched a new corporate catering endeavour, operating out of state of the art kitchens in West Belfast’s Maureen Sheehan Health and Wellbeing Centre. The focus is firmly on healthy eating, with LOAF aiming to provide organisations across the North and West of the city with a corporate catering option that is both locally produced and nutritious, under their slogan “fresh food every time”.

The NOW Project’s Director, Maeve McRory said;

She continues; “The social economy usually develops because of a need to find new solutions to society’s problems and I believe LOAF is offering one answer to the difficult task of better integrating and empowering people with learning disabilities.
Social enterprises like LOAF have a lot to offer the local economy and our community. We’re determined that this business will continue to be run as tightly as any private sector company, with proceeds being reinvested in our vision.”

Eddie Jackson Chief Executive of Belfast Local Strategy Partnership, said; “Belfast LSP are delighted to be associated with the project, funding has been provided to the NOW project over the past three years with an independent evaluation showing a social return of some £9 for every £1 grant aid. The NOW project should be praised for their entrepreneurial spirit and capacity to rise to any challenge. On behalf of Belfast LSP may I take this opportunity to commend their performance thus far and would like to wish them every success in the future.”

The NOW Project is a Company Limited by Guarantee with charitable status. It delivers high quality training and supported employment services to adults with learning disabilities living in North and West Belfast. All courses are person centred, accredited and recognised by local employers.